Food Label Regulations
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regulates food labels. It includes most packaged foods sold at retail stores and general food labeling requirements like ingredient lists, allergen declarations, and Nutrition Facts panels. Manufacturers, distributors, and importers must follow labeling laws and regulations before offering foods in the United States.
- Labels must bear a Statement of Identity – name of the product. It must be placed on the principal display panel and be bold and prominent.
- Some foods have standards of identity defining criteria to identify by a name.
- Provide ingredient lists in descending order by weight or volume.
- Provide name of food, brand name, trademark.
- Provide amount of calories, nutrients, etc per 100g/100ml.
Nutrient Mandated on Food Labels
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regulates food labels and the FDA enforces labeling requirements. Food labels must include a Statement of Identity, ingredient lists in descending order by weight or volume, and various nutritional information. The USDA regulates the supermarket side counters, and the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act mandates nutrition labeling on foods.
- Labels must bear a Statement of Identity, name of the product, placed on the principal display panel.
- Ingredient lists must be in descending order by weight or volume.
- Labels must provide name of food, brand name, trademark.
- Labels must provide amount of calories, nutrients, etc per 100g/100ml.
Regulations Overview
Regulations by type: Multi-faceted. Codex Alimentarius (international voluntary standard). Ingredients and basic nutrition. Calorie count laws (restaurants).